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Half-Day Kyoto Private Tour Made Just for You !!

Gion stroll

Calling all the Seafood Lovers!

Fushimi Inari

Dragons of the Void

You’ll even get to meet the famous okami

Your Best 4 Hours in Kyoto!

Nishiki Market has so many items to try

Smiles all day on this fun tour!

Gion stroll

Nishiki Market

The Ultimate Japanese Omlet

Half-Day Kyoto Private Tour Made Just for You !!

Highlights

Joined 2025

Nikki K.

5.00 / 5

(5 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

4 hours

Private tour (only you and Nikki K.)

Up to 6 people

This is a special private tour that can be fully customized to your interests — from UNESCO World Heritage sites to hidden gems loved by locals.

I’ll take you to Kyoto’s special spots, sharing local tips and warm hospitality along the way.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Meet at Kyoto Station

- For the most time efficient start, I recommend meeting at Kyoto Station (Central Exit). But if you prefer, I can also meet you at your hotel. Please note that pick-up may not be possible from some hotels depending on their location.

08:30 AM

Fushimi-Inari Taisha

One of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines, famous for its thousands of red torii gates winding through the forest. Dedicated to the god of prosperity, it's a beautiful and spiritual place to explore on foot.

09:50 AM

Gion -The heart of Kyoto’s Geisha(Maiko) Culture

I’ll share the fascinating and little-known world of geisha culture — including the differences between maiko (apprentice) and geiko (fully trained geisha) — in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.

10:20 AM

Kyoto's oldest Zen Temple - Under the Gaze of the Twin Dragons

Kennin-ji is known for its calm atmosphere and stunning artwork. One highlight is the dramatic twin dragon ceiling painting, a powerful modern masterpiece that seems to come alive as you gaze up from the main hall.

11:10 AM

Nishiki Market-Kyoto’s Colorful Kitchen and Shopping Paradise

Nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a lively, historic arcade packed with local eats, sweets, and traditional ingredients.

Beyond the food, nearby streets offer crafts, souvenirs, and trendy shops—perfect for strolling, tasting, and shopping all at once.

Ending Point

Tour ends at Nishiki Market

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide Fee

What‘s not included

Public transportation fees (from 370 yen per person).

Temple＆Shrine entrance fees(800 yen per person)

Meals or refreshments during the tour

or any other personal expenses are not included.

**At many sites,my official Guide license allows me to enter free of charge.

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.

* This tour is wheelchair accessible.

* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Important message from the supplier

My days off vary each week, so I can't specify a fixed day I'm available, but I'm flexible and can adjust to your request.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Nikki K.

5.00 / 5

(5 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Nikki K.

Certified English Interpreter Guide accredited by Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu cities — top performer in Kyoto's official training program and selected for Japan’s elite government project for VIP luxury travel.

Having lived in 7 countries for 30 years — including 9 years in the U.S. (California, New York, and Texas) — I bring a truly global perspective and deep cultural understanding to every tour.

A descendant of Hijikata Toshizo, one of Japan’s legendary “last samurai,” I was raised with a strong appreciation for history and the bushido spirit.

Before becoming a guide in Japan, I worked as a licensed NYC tour guide, British Airline flight attendant, medical interpreter, and TV reporter — all roles focused on connecting with people and sharing cultures.

I love showing travelers not only Japan’s must-see landmarks but also hidden local gems off the beaten path.

I mainly guide in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, and Tokyo upon request.

From fun street food adventures to refined cultural and luxury experiences, I design each private tour to match your interests and create unforgettable moments that last a lifetime.

I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the true heart of Japan!

Reviews

Drew B.

5 / 5

Nov 11, 2025

Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!

Nov 11, 2025

Kyoto

8 hours

“Day of discoveries in Uji & Kyoto with Nikki san.”

Our guide Nikki san created a personalised day tour for us with some of the wonderful and unique Kyoto & Uji experiences. From the quiet hidden Ujikame shrine, a visit to the Tale of Genji Museum and Fukujuen Uji (Uji Tea Factory) for Match grinding experience. The afternoon filled exploring Kyoto backstreets and an amazing hour experiencing Kyo-karakami with the Awesome Ladies at Karamaru. Carved wood block patterns dating back hundreds of years used to print onto Japanese washi paper. We were very lucky to share the stamp book class and experience first hand the beauty of this ancient craft. Nikki san finished our day with a visit to Kazariya Mochi & tea restaurant outside the impressive

Nikki K.

Thank you so much Drew san and Annie san for your wonderful review! Since you mentioned earlier that you’re a repeat visitor to Kyoto, interested in creative experiences, and prefer to avoid crowds, I made several suggestions based on those preferences. It truly makes me happy to know that you enjoyed them. I’ll do my best tomorrow as well, hoping you’ll love the tour just as much!

Eric V.

5 / 5

Nov 9, 2025

Old Soul Osaka: A Private Tour of Timeless Neighborhoods

Nov 9, 2025

Osaka

8 hours

Customized

“Great day in Osaka with Nikki”

My husband and I spent a fun and memory filled day exploring Osaka with Nikki. We asked for a day of off the beaten path spots and Nikki took us to several such locations, including a traditional tea ceremony in the home of a very kind master tea maker. Nikki provided fun anecdotes and education about the Japanese culture and history. We ended our day at Osaka Castle and Nikki guided us perfectly through the history and significance of the castle. We spent 8 hours together and the time flew by. We highly recommend Nikki if you are looking for a great guide in Osaka or Kyoto.

Nikki K.

Thank you very much Gill and Eric for your wonderful review. I truly wanted you to experience the lively, local spirit of Osaka, as well as to explore places that matched your interests such as ceramics. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it! It was a real pleasure guiding you, and I also had such a great time together. Please enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan! ( Since we prayed to the guardian deity of safe travels, I'm sure everything will go perfectly!)

Jordan S.

5 / 5

Nov 4, 2025

Osaka’s Top Must-See Spots in One Perfect Tour

Nov 4, 2025

Osaka

8 hours

“Amazing day in Osaka”

Nikki was the ideal guide to see Osaka castle, off the beaten path shrines, strolling the alleys, and learning about Japanese culture and history!!

Nikki K.

Thank you so much Jordan for your wonderful review and kind words! It meansI'm so happy to hear you enjoyed exploring the local side of Osaka! It was such a pleasure guiding you two and I hope you'll come back for more Kushikatsu and Habu sake next time!